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@Mopac
What is that? What is the difference between The Truth and a truth?I mean the truth as in, the very essence of what that means.
But to clarify even further, by the truth I specifically mean The Ultimate Reality.
That doesn't clarify anything, because when we started talking about what that means, you started talking about The Truth. It'd be nice if you could have a discussion without talking in circles.
Or if the capitalization bugs you,
Are you suggesting it doesn't matter?
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@Mopac
Is "The Truth" identical to "the truth"?
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@Mopac
Is "The Truth" identical to "the truth"?
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@Mopac
I have far greater reason to question the honesty of people who hold a position that literally means that there is no truth
Except no one holds that position.
You keep claiming people hold that position, but only because of this dishonest switcharoo you keep doing with "Truth" and "truth."
If The Truth is nothing more than the truth, then sure, it exists, but I don't see why it should be called God, regardless of what the dictionary says.
If it means something more (as you claim), I'd like to know what it is.
But my rejection of your definitions and your premises doesn't mean I "hold the position that literally means that there is no truth" and it would be extremely dishonest for you to suggest otherwise.
Not that I suspect you are particularly concerned about honesty.
Or charity.
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@Mopac
You do not argue from good faith. You assure that The Truth is not the same thing as the truth, yet whenever anyone asks you what the The Truth is, you claim they are talking about the truth.
If they are the same, then stop capitalizing it. If they aren't the same, then explain the difference.
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(Yeah, Eikk and Grahf make it to the Inn. When Snerp and Roberts wrap up their convo we can long rest)
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Before Eikka and Earth leave, Lucien remembers their question regarding healing and resurrection. The priest reveals that he does have healing magic (cure wounds) and ability to fix some ailments and diseases (lesser restoration). For resurrection, the only thing he is familiar with is the raising of the dead via black magic, but that the Abbot in the Abbey in Krezk has been said to work miracles.
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(As an aside, if this single thread was its own forum, it'd have the second-highest number of posts out of all the forums.)
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Szoldar: Stockyard sells general supplies. Is where we get gear.
Yevgeni: Ooh! Blinsky.
Szoldar: No, no Blinsky, you went to Blinsky yesterday.
Yevgeni: Blinsky is good. Sells best toys. Da.
Szoldar merely shakes his head and drinks.
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@Buddamoose
(From MPOV, I'm just dumping gold into whoever finds it or receives it from a sale or trade, but we can basically just treat everyone's gold as one big pile unless people are really intent on having their own gold)
Szoldar: You're a talker. Listening to talkers makes me thirsty. He downs another glass.
Abandoned town is Berez. Flood wiped it out long ago. Only thing there is mosquitoes and ruins. No wolfs, so we don't go there.
Haunted mansion? Is house of dragon knights. Spirits attack anyone that enters.
Mad Mage is crazy man. Lives on north side of lake and shoots lightning from his ass to catch fish. Might be good wolf hunter. Szoldar shrugs.
Burgomaster dislikes unhappiness. Everyone in town must be happy. No one in town is happy, but don't let him find out. Anyone not happy is "in league with Strahd" and gets "purged of evil." We spend most of our time out in the woods, so we don't deal with it much.
Yevgeni: Spend time in woods. Da. Thirsty. Da. Yevengi finishes off his glass.
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Lucien is still in his office, getting a small respite from the desperate parishioners in the chapel.
Lucien: Henrik? Why would he want the bones? It doesn't make sense. I'm afraid I don't know much about him. Given his work, not many people associate with him. I imagine he's rather lonely.
He gives you directions to where the coffin-maker shop is (N6)
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[Grahf Intimidation Check (advantage): d20 (6, 20) + 4 = 24]
At the sight of a scowling half-orc and a dragonborn whispering sweet nothings into his ear, Milivoj shifts uncomfortably in his place. He looks around before turning back.
Milivoj: Back off man, I don't know where "the Saint" is, I sold the bones to old Henrik, the coffin maker. I don't know why he wanted them, but he did, and he paid. Me and my brothers and sisters have to eat.
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Milivoj: A bone's a bone, right? I guess 1 copper for something small, 1 silver for something big, and a gold if it still has meat on it.
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@secularmerlin
@Earth
(You're in the corner, off to the side, but the main chapel area has a lot of people. So it really depends on how loud you're being)
Milivoj shrugs: Yeah, like I said. You're hungry. Gotta be with chompers like that. Slip me some gold and I'll dig up all the bones you can eat.
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The teenager shrugs.
Milivoj: I dig graves for my job. I kill the gophers cause it's fun. Why? You looking for work, or just hungry?
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@secularmerlin
Milivoj glances up at Eikka with a disinterested look.
Milivoh: Oh?
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Szoldar: We kill wolfs. Da. He holds out his bow which has several dozen notches in it. Yevgeni puffs out his chest, displaying his wolf-skin cloak made of an equal number of pelts. We sell meat and give heads for decoration. He points to the many mounted wolfheads decorating the inn.
We know area well. We give directions for free drinks. With that he reaches across the table and grabs one of the flagons of wine, downing it in almost one gulp. We escort for coin. 5 gold per day.
Yevgeni: Well kill wolfs. Da.
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Lucien nods. Feel free to stay as long as you like. All are welcome here. I do not have much in the way of lodgings, just a bed for myself and Yeska, but the pews do in a pinch.
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Lucien sighs. Yeska, the poor boy. He is a good lad but easily frightened. He was in a panic last month. A wave of these... things... walking corpses... tried to invade the town. The guards managed to hold them off at the walls, but Yeska was in a terrible fright. To calm him down I told him about the bones, about how this Church has divine protection. It worked, but now they're gone.
When they disappeared I talked to Yeska and asked if he had told anyone else. He said yes, but wouldn't divulge a name. Personally, I suspect Milivoj, the grave digger. He's the only person that works around here and as the only other older boy, Yeska looks up to him. I haven't confronted him yet, he's very temperamental. I've seen what he does with that shovel to gophers that get in our cemetery.
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Blue Water Inn
The man with hair says: Szoldar and the other: Yevgeni
Szoldar kicks out a couple of chairs for Roberts and Snerp as Danika brings out 5 large glasses of a deep, red wine. No ale, i'm afryaid. Only wine. But I bring best vintage for high paying cyustomer. Da.
Szoldar: Da, we are from Vallaki.
St. Andrals
Lucien: Well, I don't know what you're capable of. Forgive me for saying, but you both certainly appear fearsome. Should be easy enough for you to get information out of anyone. Or, someone in particular, that is.
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Blue Water Inn
Lady: Go back outside, take stairs up. Room is at far end of hall. You haf floor to yourself as all other rooms are empty. Very good. Need anything ask for me, Danika, or my hoosband, Urwin.
The man with hair at the table looks across at Snerp and gives a crooked, scar-marred grin. Always care for drink, friend. Company? Eh.
The bald man echos the sentiment: Drink. Yes. Is good.
St. Andrals
The room is a small office with a desk, a bookshelf with some religious books, and some chairs. Lucien groans and his bones creak as he takes his seat.
Lucien: All that is going on is this damned festival. That's all that is ever going on. Vargas thinks it helps... Lucien sighs. But I suppose it's better that way.
He leans forward and peers at them with sudden intensity.
Lucien: Vargas believes this town is protected from Strahd and that the source of the protection are these festivals he keeps throwing. Or rather the "happiness" he thinks they bring to the town. So firm is his belief that he will jail anyone that threatens the "joy" of the town or casts a pale on his little parties. About half the town believe it. The other could care less.
A few speak out, but you don't hear from them for very often. One of my parishioners, Willemina, her son spoke out against Vargas. He's been in stocks in the town square for a week.
He holds his hands up and waves them.
But that is neither here nor there. The point is, the town is protected. By this church. Here. At least it was. There is a small crypt under the altar. In it were the bones of St. Andral. So pious was he that his very bones exude a holy, protective aura. Except... last week they were stolen. Without the bones in their proper resting place, they provide no protection. If Strahd were to find out...
Lucien shudders.
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Blue Water Inn
[Snerp Performance Check: d20 (11) + 4 = 15]
The steady murmur of the inn quiets as Snerp plays his lute. When he is finished a number of patrons toss some coppers (15) his way. The lady behind the bar smiles.
Lady: Very nice. We haf big room up stairs. Four beds. Good, da? Only business we do is for wine and steak. You kyan play here, keep whatever money you make. Rictavio might not like competition! She laughs.
St. Andrals
A thoughtful look passes over Lucien's face as he eyes you two up. He politely motions for you to join in him one of his side rooms.
Lucien: There is something you can help with, yes, but it requires... discretion.
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The building is very much like the church of Barovia, but is clearly in better condition. The walls are thick and made of stone. Save for the stained glass windows, infiltrating this building would take siege equipment.
Father: Don't fear, my children. The spirit of St. Andral protects this village and always well. This is a safe place.
Father leaves the tending to the congregation to the alter boy as he makes his way through the crowd toward Eikka and Grahf and gives a small bow.
Father: Greetings, I am Father Lucian Petrovich. Even though you are clearly outsiders, I can recognize those of faith. How can I be of service?
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The lady leans over the bar to look down at Snerp. She gives an amused smile.
Lady: You are with circus, for festival, Nyet? Very amusink. You may stay here. We have many rooms on second floor. Bed for night costs 5 silver. Comes with hot beet soup and fresh bread, no addityional charge. If you have hyorses, stabling is 1 silver per night. If you want more food and drink, we haf wine and deelicious wolf steak. Very good. Very fresh.
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The group follows the main road through the town. They get to the crossroads where the Inn & Tavern lie. Snerp heads into the Inn while Eikka continues on to the church.
Snerp & Crew
Gray smoke issues from the chimney of this large, two-story wooden building with a stone foundation and sagging tile roof, upon which several ravens have perched. A painted wooden sign hanging above the main entrance depicts a blue waterfall. Around the back, the group notices a stable for some horses which they temporarily stash there before heading into the main entrance.
Damp cloaks hang from pegs in the entrance portico. The tavern is packed with tables and chairs, with narrow paths meandering between them. A bar stretches along one wall, under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the north wall. Another balcony overhangs an entrance to the east. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. Lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the tables bathe the room in dull orange light and cast shadows upon the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.
The room is also packed with Vallakians, the most notable of which are two burly (but dour) looking men sitting at a far table covered with empty drinking glasses. Behind the bar is a thin and stern-looking woman.
Eikka & Co.
This slouching, centuries-old stone church has a bulging steeple in the back and walls lined with cracked, stained glass windows depicting pious saints. A fence of wrought iron encloses a garden of gravestones next to the church. A thin mist creeps among the graves.
Despite it being night, the church is occupied. Inside, Eikka sees around a dozen or so adults along with half a dozen children, all huddled near a an elderly Father assisted by a young alter boy. The priest gives his prayers to the congregation who are half-cowering, half-praying. In the corner is a brawny lad with a perpetually furrowed brow. He leans against a wall and is mindlessly fiddling with a dirt-caked shovel.
The priest notes the entrance of Eikka, but does not pause in his deliberations.
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Ireena: I understand your words, Snerp, but I need... time to think. Come visit me at the burgmaster's in a day or two. With that, she heads off down the street.
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(Well, everything you've learned so far is that this valley has been isolated from the rest of the world for a few centuries now, so any "guild" contacts would be significantly outdated, assuming there is even any kind of connection).
Roberts chats with the guards while Snerp chases down Ireena. Roberts gets the general layout of the city and learns some interesting tid bits.
Notable Locations:
- St. Andral's Church (N1)
- Blue Water Inn (N2)
- Burgomaster's Mansion (N3)
- Arasek Stockyard (N5)
Rumors and Info
- Another stranger from outside the valley has come to Vallaki, specifically for the upcoming festival;
- The burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallkovich has decreed that the Festival of the Blazing Sun will be held in the town square in three days (Anton and Boris have mixed feelings as to whether this is a good thing or bad thing.
- The wolves and dire wolves have been particularly aggressive as of late, which has resulted in profit for local hunters and trappers.
- There is a lake north of town (Lake Zarovich) but the threat of wolves make fishing there too dangerous, as well as sightings of someone called "The Mad Mage."
- There isn't much around the town, save for a Vistani camp and a haunted mansion (out the western, Sunset Gate) and the ruins of an abandoned town to the south.
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Ireena stops and sighs. What? We're here. You got me here "safely." That's the end of our arrangement.
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Boris: The Church of St. Andrals is on the far side of town, near the Sunset Gate. (N1)
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Anton: If you're looking for a place to hitch up for the night, just follow the road to the center of town and look for the Blue Water Inn.
The group hears the clang of the gates behind them. As they get a few feet inside the town, Ireena dismounts her horse.
Ireena: I think... I think I will take my leave of you. I will find the Burgomaster and ask to stay with him while I consider what I should do. I liked to think I was fending for myself, but in reality I depended on Ismark for a lot, even if his best intentions went... awry. And, to be honest, I do not like the look of you all anymore. Your foolhardiness got my brother killed despite our warnings. So arrogant... thinking you're the strongest in this valley.
She shakes her head sadly.
I know your hearts were in the right place. I just wish your heads were. I hope the price of my brother's life is worth the lesson you've learned.
With that, Ireena heads down one of the many alleys of Vallaki.
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The first guard pulls back his pike and presses his face against the bars to get a better look at the group.
Guard 1: Well, look at this Anton, the circus is in town! They must be here for the festival! They've got a man-lady, an old-child, some sort of giant lizard, and some sort of exotic elf. This one's gonna be a good one, I tell ya!
Anton: It'll be as dismal as the festival he threw last week, Boris. And the one before that. And the one before that!
Boris: Ssh! Talk like that will get you put in stocks for sure. 'Specially if Izek hears you. Anyway, should we let this lot in?
Anton: Sure. I like a good midget act.
The guards back away and open up the gates to allow passage.
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As the group gets closer, they see that the palisade is 15' high, with logs held together with thick rope and mortar. Occasionally they will see a head peak over the top of the wall, indicating an inner walkway patrolled by guards. The "shadowy figures" inside the closed gates are human guards, armored and armed with long pikes. As the group gets closer, the voices of the guards reach their ears.
Guard 1: I'm telling you, that's what I saw.
Guard 2: Ah.. you were drunk. Again.
Guard 1: No, this was while I was going to the Inn, not after! Purple flashes of light I tell you!
Guard 2: From the Burgomaster's house? Get real. If anything like that happened, he'd be throwing a fit.
When the group is within ear and eye shot of the guards they snap to attaching, sticking the points of their pikes through the bars of the gate.
Guard 1: Who goes there?
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The group readies their horses and makes haste along the road to Vallaki. The Old Svalich Road meanders into the valley watched over by dark, brooding mountains to the north and south. The woods recede, revealing a sullen mountain burg surrounded by a wooden palisade. Thick fog presses up against this wall, as though looking for a way inside, hoping to catch the town aslumber.
The dirt road ends at a set of sturdy iron gates with a pair of shadowy figures standing behind them. Planted in the ground and flanking the road outside the gates are a half-dozen pikes with wolves' heads impaled on them.
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1. Kavanaugh was innocent
"Was"? So he isn't anymore?
and should be in the [White] House
Uh. He was appointed to the Supreme Court. He doesn't work in the White House and isn't part of the executive brank.
2. Trump has been a good president
Nah.
3. Trump sounds like an idiot when he speaks
Just the kind of quality we want in a "good president."
4. We have increased good relations with North Korea
Debatable, not that it would be a good thing if it was true.
5. We grew jobs more than Obama did
Oh? Did we plant a bunch of job seeds?
6. Trumps Travel Ban was the right thing to do at the time
What "time" was that?
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Eikka meditates serenely for 10 minutes, summoning healing magics that wash over the group.
[Pray of Healing: 2d8 (6,6) + 4 = 16 HP healed]
Player Summaries:
✶Eikka - 17/31 HP - 16 AC - Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Relentless Endurance: ⭘ | Spell Slots: 2|2
Grahf - 17/28 HP - 16 AC - Breath Weapon: ⬤ | Divine Sense: 3 | Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Lay on Hands: 20 | Spell Slots: 1 [Max HP reduced (-8)]
Luraxt - 17/22 HP - 13 AC - Arcane Recovery ⬤ | Spell Secrets ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0|0
✶Roberts - 36/36 HP - 18 AC - Action Surge: ⭘ | Second Wind ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0
✶Snerp - 17/23 HP - 13 AC - Bardic Inspiration: ⭘⭘ | Feather Fall ⬤ | Spell Slots: 1|0
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(Also, I'm going to give Roberts inspiration for saving the party and having to endure all that)
Player Summaries:
✶Eikka - 1/31 HP - 16 AC - Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Relentless Endurance: ⭘ | Spell Slots: 2|3
Grahf - 1/28 HP - 16 AC - Breath Weapon: ⬤ | Divine Sense: 3 | Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Lay on Hands: 20 | Spell Slots: 1 [Max HP reduced (-8)]
Luraxt - 1/22 HP - 13 AC - Arcane Recovery ⬤ | Spell Secrets ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0|0
✶Roberts - 36/36 HP - 18 AC - Action Surge: ⭘ | Second Wind ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0
✶Snerp - 1/23 HP - 13 AC - Bardic Inspiration: ⭘⭘ | Feather Fall ⬤ | Spell Slots: 1|0
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@secularmerlin
@Buddamoose
@Earth
@TheDredPriateRoberts
@kindertina
The pastry looks and tastes like a small mincemeat pie. Once consumed, Roberts falls into a deep trance where he dreams of some joyous place from his childhood. The dream is vivid and believable, and leaves him with a longing to return to that place, either in person or via the dream of the pastry.
When Roberts emerges from his dream-trance (and the rest of the party regains consciousness), they find themselves outside the windmill, near where they have secured their horses. Ireena is with them, with tear-stained eyes.
Day 3Dusk
Player Summaries:
✶Eikka - 1/31 HP - 16 AC - Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Relentless Endurance: ⭘ | Spell Slots: 2|3
Grahf - 1/28 HP - 16 AC - Breath Weapon: ⬤ | Divine Sense: 3 | Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Lay on Hands: 20 | Spell Slots: 1 [Max HP reduced (-8)]
Luraxt - 1/22 HP - 13 AC - Arcane Recovery ⬤ | Spell Secrets ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0|0
Roberts - 36/36 HP - 18 AC - Action Surge: ⭘ | Second Wind ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0
Snerp - 1/23 HP - 13 AC - Bardic Inspiration: ⭘⭘ | Feather Fall ⬤ | Spell Slots: 1|0
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@TheDredPriateRoberts
Morgantha: Ismark died in the heat of battle, a causality of his own short-sightedness. Nor was the insult his. If I could cram this pie down that annoying gnome's throat I would, but I can't, so you must be his proxy. Their deaths, or your debasement. Which is it, mercenary?
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@secularmerlin
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[Roberts Deception Check: d20 (5) - 1 = 4]
Morgantha smiles: Sure thing, but you are getting ahead of yourself. I say payment and penance. I have the payment... she reaches out and takes hold of the silvered shortsword. Now is time for your penance.
She heads over to the oven set in the wall. She faces Roberts and places a wrinkled hand on her sagging chest, in feigning insult.
I was truly hurt when you all refused my delicious pies. And now I think it's time you remedy that.
She reaches into the oven and pulls out one of the hand-sized meat pies and walks it over to Roberts.
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@TheDredPriateRoberts
Morgantha: Nevertheless, you speak for them simply because you are the only one left to speak. I take note of your promise and will hold you to it. But restitution must be made. That shiny little sword of yours will do for the price...
As Morgantha speaks, Bella moves from person to person, taking snippets of their hair.
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@TheDredPriateRoberts
Bella comes down the stairs ready to continue the fight. Morgantha holds up a hand as she considers Robert's statement.
Morgantha: Profit indeed, but we take payment in more than just coin. You assault me on the street, destroy my wares and goods - bought and paid for - invade my own, draw blood from me and my sisters. There must be payment and penance. Are you prepared to make that sacrifice for your friends?
[Luraxt Death Save: d20 (17) = 17, Pass!]
Player Summaries:
[21] Grahf - 0/28 HP - 16 AC - Breath Weapon: ⬤ | Divine Sense: 3 | Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Lay on Hands: 20 | Spell Slots: 1 [Max HP reduced (-8), Unconscious]
[20] ✶Eikka - 0/31 HP - 16 AC - Channel Divinity: ⭘ | Relentless Endurance: ⭘ | Spell Slots: 2|3 [Spiritual Weapon (1 rounds), Unconscious, Bardic Inspiration]
[20] Ireena - Uninjured [Asleep]
[15] Ismark - Dead
[15] Morgantha - Injured
[15] Bella - Injured
[15] Offallia - Near Death
→[15] Roberts - 36/36 HP - 18 AC - Action Surge: ⭘ | Second Wind ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0
[12] Luraxt - 0/22 HP - 13 AC - Arcane Recovery ⬤ | Spell Secrets ⬤ | Spell Slots: 0|0 [Dying (1 pass)]
[5] ✶Snerp - 0/23 HP - 13 AC - Bardic Inspiration: ⭘⭘ | Feather Fall ⬤ | Spell Slots: 1|0 [Unconscious]
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